WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration announced this week that Maine's education officials violated federal law by allowing transgender girls to compete in school sports.

In February, President Donald Trump signed an order banning transgender girls and women from female sports. Supporters say this ensures fairness, while critics argue it takes away rights from a small group of athletes. The order requires the Department of Justice to enforce this rule under Trump's interpretation of Title IX, a law that prohibits sex discrimination in education.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals' Association, and Greely High School in Cumberland that they had 10 days to fix the violation or face legal action.

The issue gained attention after a transgender athlete from Greely High School won a state championship in pole vaulting in the girls' division.

In February, Trump clashed with Maine's Democratic Governor Janet Mills, threatening to cut federal funds over the state's policy. Mills responded, "We're going to follow the law, sir. We'll see you in court."

Maine changed its laws in 2021 to ban discrimination based on gender identity.